Knight and Shimaitis met while attending the University of Texas more than a decade ago and both still reside in the state's capitol, along with Biegel and Hunter, while Ellison made the trek from Houston to participate in this year's Poco Bueno tournament.

The group began fishing competitively about five years ago, when Shimaitis purchased a large-fishing boat and assembled the group.

According to Knight, as long as there is a passion to participate, the group will continue to travel to Port O'Connor for the fishing and the camaraderie.

"As we get older - we are in our mid 30s now - and people are starting to have kids, it is getting harder and harder to get together," Knight said. "So, it's nice to be able to carve out a weekend to just go and hang out with your buddies.

Not even last year's controversy could deter the group.

Complaints were filed following the conclusion of the 2010 Poco Bueno tournament as some people had suspicions that teams were cheating as they competed for the large cash prize.

But Knight says it did not waiver the friends' plans to attend this year in the least.

"It had no effect [on our decision to participate]," Knight said.

Even if another such conspiracy theory should arise, Knight says he plans on returning to fish with his friends next year.